Apparatus and system for retrieving hose

ABSTRACT

A system for recovering hose, including a hose receptacle having an open top portion for receiving a hose and attached hose couplings. The system further including a first device having a hose recovery means comprising an upper roller and a lower roller, at least one of the upper or lower rollers being powered, and a lifting arm operably coupled to the upper roller for moving the upper roller between a first position and a second position, the upper roller being closer to the lower roller when in the first position than when in the second position. Additionally, a platform having the first device arranged thereon and capable of moving above the receptacle along a first axis and a second axis to deposit the hose in the receptacle, and a platform moving means for moving the platform along the first axis and the second axis, wherein the first axis has first axis limits and the second axis has second axis limits, the first axis limits and second axis limits being substantially coextensive with dimensions of the open top portion of the hose receptacle.

STATEMENT OF PRIORITY

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/459,822, entitled “Apparatus and Systemfor Retrieving Hose” filed Aug. 14, 2014, which is aContinuation-in-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/739,600 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 9,399,560), entitled “Apparatus and System for RetrievingHose,” filed Jan. 11, 2013, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/854,763 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,376,202),entitled “Apparatus for Recovering Hose” filed Sep. 13, 2007, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/825,671 filed onSep. 14, 2006.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosures made herein relate generally to the firefightingindustry, however should not be limited to such and may be used in otherindustries requiring hose retrieval, such as the oil and gas industry.The invention discussed herein is in the general classification of ahose retrieval apparatus and system that is designed to recover flexiblehoses used for conveying liquids, such as fire hoses.

BACKGROUND

Fire hoses are traditionally comprised of multiple sections having hosecouplings at opposite ends. The hose couplings are made of metal andcannot be compressed in the same manner as the hose. It is well known inthe firefighting field that long portions of flexible fire hose aredifficult to recover after being utilized in a firefighting situation.Long flexible fire hoses are notoriously difficult to retrieve after usedue to the length, weight and large couplings used in connectingmultiple sections of the hose. In typical day-to-day practice, severalfirefighters are necessary to recover and replace the fire hose,depending on the weight and length of the hose. A team of firefightersoften must roll or fold up the flexible hose for storage on the fireengine. Such a burdensome practice may take many hours, and sometimesdays, to complete.

A variety of automated or semi-automated hose retrieval devices andsystems have been employed, but all of these suffer from inherentdisadvantages. Some of these disadvantages include the inability torecover larger quantities of hose without expending substantial manpowertime and effort and the inability to compactly recover hoses fitted withhose couplings, especially large diameter hose couplings. Some of theprior art devices also require a user to disassemble the recoveryapparatus to remove the wound hose after it is collected. Other devicescollect the hose in a confined area within the recovery apparatus,making it difficult to access. Other solutions utilize a complex andunreliable pulley and sensing system and/or a complex mechanical beltingmechanism. Most of the prior art solutions also do not adequatelyaddress the dangers associated with couplings becoming stuck in therecovery apparatus and associated with operational belts being flung offthe apparatus and/or debris being thrown off the hose by the apparatus.The prior art solutions also lack adjustability and the ability tocustomize to a given project and are frequently expensive to purchaseand maintain.

Thus, there is a need for an easy to use, safe, adjustable,aesthetically pleasing, durable and relatively inexpensive hoseretrieval device and system that allows hoses, including fire hoses andother larger diameter hoses having larger couplings, to be recoveredwith minimal human intervention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure introduces various illustrative embodiments forrecovering hose and altering the deposit position of the recovered hoseinto a hose receptacle.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system forrecovering hose which includes a hose receptacle having an open topportion for receiving a hose having a hose coupling attached thereto.The system further includes a first device having a hose recovery meanscomprising an upper roller and a lower roller, wherein at least one ofthe upper or lower rollers is powered, thereby enabling retrieval of thehose. A lifting arm is operably coupled to the upper roller, therebyenabling the upper roller to move from a first into a second position,whereby a hose coupling is enabled to pass through the upper and lowerrollers. The first device is arranged on a platform capable of movingabove the receptacle along a first and second axis via a platform movingmeans, wherein the first and second axis have limits substantiallycoextensive with dimensions of the open top portion of the hosereceptacle.

It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a method forrecovering hose which includes positioning a hose having a hose couplingbetween an upper roller and lower roller of a first device, at least oneof the upper or lower rollers being powered and thereby enablingretrieval of the hose. The method further retrieves the hose with thefirst device, altering the position of the upper roller from a firstposition to a second position with a lifting arm operably coupled to theupper roller, thereby enabling the hose coupling to pass between theupper and lower rollers. The method deposits the hose in a hosereceptacle via an open top portion of the hose receptacle from aplatform having the first device arranged thereon. The platform movesalong a first axis and second axis via a platform moving means, thefirst a second axis having first axis limits and second axis limitssubstantially coextensive with dimensions of the open top portion of thehose receptacle, thereby enabling alteration of the position of hosedeposit within the hose receptacle.

Other advantages, features, and embodiments are described below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of thepresent invention, and should not be viewed as an exclusive embodiments.The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modification,alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to onehaving ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a rotated perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support assembly of an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention inaction prior to encountering a hose coupling.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention inaction at the time a hose coupling is encountered.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is an upper-angled view of a system for altering the position ofhose deposit during recovery.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method for recovering a hose.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for recoveringhose and altering the deposit position of the recovered hose into a hosereceptacle.

An illustrative system includes a hose receptacle having an open topportion for receiving a hose having a hose coupling attached thereto.The system further includes a first device having a hose recovery meanscomprising an upper roller and a lower roller, wherein at least one ofthe upper or lower rollers is powered, thereby enabling retrieval of thehose. A lifting arm is operably coupled to the upper roller, therebyenabling the upper roller to move from a first into a second position,whereby a hose coupling is enabled to pass through the upper and lowerrollers. The first device is arranged on a platform capable of movingabove the receptacle along a first and second axis via a platform movingmeans, wherein the first and second axis have limits substantiallycoextensive with dimensions of the open top portion of the hosereceptacle.

In some embodiments, the system may further include a controller meansfor selectively controlling movement of the platform along the firstaxis between the first axis limits. In further embodiments, thecontroller means may further control movement of the platform along thesecond axis between the second axis limits. Such movement may beeffectuated by the system including teeth coupled to the housereceptacle and corresponding gears coupled to the platform whichinteract with the teeth. In other embodiments, the platform moving meansmay comprise hydraulically, pneumatically, electrically, or mechanicallymoving the platform along the first and/or second axis.

In some embodiments, the system may include a second device beingsimilar to the first device, where the second device includes a secondupper and second lower roller, at least one of which being powered, anda second lifting arm coupled to the second upper roller, therebyenabling the second upper roller to be arranged in a second position andenable a hose coupled to pass between the second upper and lowerrollers. The second device may work in conjunction with the first deviceto retrieve the hose, advantageously increasing pulling power,decreasing stress on each device, and enabling continuous retrieval ofthe hose while the hose coupling passes through each of the first andsecond devices.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numbers are usedherein to designate like elements throughout the various views andembodiments of a unit. The figures are not necessarily drawn to scale,and in some instances the drawings have been exaggerated and/orsimplified in places for illustrative purposes only. One of the ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications andvariations based on the following examples of possible embodiments. Asused herein, the “present disclosure” refers to any one of theembodiments described throughout this document and does not mean thatall claimed embodiments must include the referenced aspects.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.An apparatus for recovering hose includes a lifting frame assemblycomprising: a plurality of lifting frame arms 10 and a lifting arm 16.In one embodiment, the lifting frame arms 10 and the lifting arm 16 areconstructed of fourteen gauge, one inch square tubing. The lifting arm16 includes an affixed lifting handle 22 and an electric switch 24. Thelifting handle 22 is preferably fitted with a grip suited to anoperator's comfort. The electric switch is preferably a 15 amp momentaryrocker switch. The plurality of lifting frame arms 10 are coupled to aplurality of guide roller mounts by a plurality of biasing means hinges8, such as ½ inch stainless steel shoulder bolts, to allow for loweringof the lifting frame arms 10 into a first position and lifting thelifting frame arms 10 into a second position. A plurality of guiderollers 12, preferably 1½ inch, constructed of galvanized steel, areattached to the plurality of guide roller mounts 14. The lifting frameassembly further comprises a plurality of support arms 20, preferably ofone inch square tubing, attached between and perpendicular to theplurality of lifting frame arms 10. The lifting arm 16 is removablyattached to the center of one of the support arms 20, preferably in thepositions shown in FIG. 1-2. A flat safety plate 26, preferablyconstructed of 16 gauge to 18 gauge sheet metal, covers the plurality ofsupport arms 20 and one of the lifting frame arms 10 to protect a userof the apparatus for recovering hose from injury. A plurality of liftingarm storage brackets 28 affixed to the lifting frame arms 10 allow forstorage of the lifting arm 16 when the lifting arm 16 is removed fromthe apparatus. The lifting arm 16 may be removed from the apparatus andstored during periods of time when the apparatus is dormant.

A motor 40, preferably a 12 volt gear reduced electric motor, is mountedatop the lifting frame assembly. Other means of powering the apparatus,such as a 5 horsepower gas-powered motor with a 6:1 gear reducer, mayalso be used. Those skilled in the art will understand that a powersupply (not shown) supplies power to the motor 40, which is thereaftermechanically coupled to a drive system as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 is a rotated perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention. The drive system comprises a rotational drive roller 42,which is constructed with a 3½ inch diameter cylindrical form andpreferably made of a pliable surface such as diamond groove vulcanizedrubber lagging with a rubber durometer of 60. The rotational driveroller 42 is removably secured on each of its ends to the plurality oflifting frame arms 10 on the opposite side of the motor 40. Therotational drive roller 42 may be secured to the lifting frame arms 10by any available securing means, including bolting, welding, clamping orany similar securing means. The drive system further comprises a motorsprocket 44, preferably of 3½ inch diameter, a rotational drive rollersprocket 46, preferably of 3 inch diameter, and an idler sprocket 48,preferably of 3½ inch diameter, which are all co-rotational sprocketsconnected via a drive chain 50.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the electric switch 24 isnormally connected via electrical wiring means to the motor 40 and thatan operator's depression of the electric switch 24 supplies power to andactivates the motor 40. Similarly, the operator's release of theelectric switch 24 eliminates power to and deactivates the motor 40.When the operator of the apparatus for recovering hose depresseselectric switch 24 and the motor 40 actuates, the motor 40 engages themotor sprocket 44, which in turn sets into motion the idler sprocket 48,which in turn sets into motion the rotational drive roller sprocket 46for the reason that all are interconnected and continuously propelled bythe drive chain 50. The rotational driver roller sprocket 46 is coupledto rotational driver roller 42. The actuation of the motor sprocket 44,and then in turn the actuation of the idler sprocket 48 and then in turnthe actuation of the rotational driver roller sprocket 46 causes therotational drive roller 42 to rotate counterclockwise on its own axis,as the reader views the apparatus as it is situated in FIG. 1. A motorcowling 52 and a drive cowling 54, both preferably constructed of 16gauge sheet metal, are removably attached to the lifting frame arms 10and cover the drive system and the motor 40. The motor cowling 52 andthe drive cowling 54 protect the apparatus and the operator from damageor injury.

The plurality of guide roller mounts 14 are secured to a plurality oflower roller support arms 70, preferably constructed of one inch squaretubing. A plurality of lower rollers 72, preferably 3½ inches indiameter, are secured at each of their ends to the plurality of lowerroller support arms 70. The plurality of lower rollers 72 may be securedto the plurality of lower roller support arms 70 by any availablesecuring means, including bolting, welding, clamping or any similarsecuring means. The plurality of lower rollers 72 are constructedpreferably with a pliable surface such as diamond groove vulcanizedrubber lagging with a rubber durometer of 60. The plurality of lowerrollers 72 are freely rotatable about their respective axes. A pluralityof lower roller support arm support members 74, constructed of one inchsquare tubing, are attached underneath and perpendicular to the lowerroller support arms 70. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and more fully shown inFIG. 3, the lower roller support members 74 are disposed into anadjustable, detachable support assembly.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the support assembly of an embodiment ofthe present invention. The adjustable support assembly comprises aremovably attached tray plate 100, a rotatable tray plate hub andspindle 102, a swing arm 108, a swing arm hub and spindle 110, and abase plate 112. The tray plate 100, constructed of steel, is preferablysecured to the lower roller support arm support members 74 by a commonlock pin (not shown). The tray plate 100 is secured to the rotatabletray plate hub and spindle 102. The tray plate 100 and the tray platehub and spindle 102 are detachably affixed together by a spring loadedtray plate lock pin 104. A tray plate locking handle 106, in a trayplate locking handle closed position, prevents rotation of the trayplate 100 about the tray plate hub and spindle 102. In a tray platelocking handle's open position, rotation of the tray plate 100 about thetray plate hub and spindle 102 can occur. The swing arm 108, preferablyconstructed of 2 inch squaring tubing with a ¼ inch to ⅜ inch wall, isattached to and disposed between the tray plate hub and spindle 102 andthe swing arm hub and spindle 110. A swing arm locking handle 116, in aswing arm locking handle's closed position, prevents rotation of theswing arm 108 about the swing arm hub and spindle 110. In a swing armlocking handle's open position, rotation of the swing arm 108 about theswing arm hub and spindle 110 can occur. The swing arm hub and spindle110 is detachably affixed to the base plate 112 by a spring loaded trayplate lock pin 114. The base plate 112 can be mounted to a hosecollecting and storage container, preferably a fire truck. Therotatability of both the swing arm 108 and the tray plate 100 providethe operator with the ability to adjust the apparatus for recoveringhose into the operator's desired operating position.

Referring to FIGS. 4-5, where the principle of action of thetransmission of this invention is shown, the apparatus for recoveringhose as described in FIGS. 1-3 receives the hose 200 for recovery in adirection from left to right and is adaptable to pass a hose coupling202 therethrough without any difficulty.

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention inaction prior to encountering a hose coupling. FIG. 4 shows the apparatusfor recovering hose in a first position, wherein hose 200 has enteredthe apparatus for recovering hose by having been disposed through theplurality of guide rollers 12, which are preferable rotatable and whichguide the hose 200 in a position to move through the apparatus forrecovering hose. FIG. 4 further shows the hose 200 disposed between therotational drive roller 42 and the plurality of lower rollers 72,preferably two lower rollers of substantially similar size to therotational drive roller 42.

During initiation of a hose recovery operation, the hose 200 should bepositioned as shown in FIG. 4. An operator of the apparatus forrecovering hose depresses the electric switch 24 to actuate the drivesystem as described above and shown in FIG. 2. Upon actuation of thedrive system, in the first position, rotational drive roller 42 beginsfeeding the hose through the apparatus for hose recovery. The movementof the hose 200 caused by the initiation of drive roller 42 additionallycauses the plurality of lower rollers 72 which are also in contact withthe hose 200 to rotate about their axes. Once the hose 201 passesthrough the apparatus for recovering hose, the hose 200 can becollected, and preferably flaked and stored in the truck. The operatorof the apparatus for recovering hose manually applies downward pressureto the lifting arm 16 so that the rotational drive roller 42, the hose200, and the plurality of lower rollers 72 remain in contact throughoutthe hose recovery operation.

FIG. 5 is a side view of an embodiment of the present invention inaction at the time a hose coupling is encountered. FIG. 5 illustratesthe time in a hose recovery operation when the apparatus for recoveringhose encounters a hose coupling 202. During the hose recovery operation,when a hose coupling 202 is encountered, the operator while continuationto depress the electric switch, will manually lift the lifting handle 22to raise the lifting arm 16 vertically into a second position to providespace for the hose coupling 202 to dispose between the rotational driveroller 42 and the plurality of lower rollers 72. The rotational driverroller 42 continually contacts the hose coupling 202 until the hosecoupling 202 passes through the apparatus for recovering hose. Forpurposes of illustration, FIG. 5 shows the hose coupling 202 as notcontacting the rotational drive roller 42 or the plurality of lowerrollers 72. It is preferable for the rotational driver roller 42, thehose coupling 202, and the plurality of lower rollers 72 to remain incontact as to continue feeding of the hose 200 through the apparatus forhose recovery. In addition, in FIGS. 4-5, for purposes of illustration,the detachable support assembly has been detached.

After the hose coupling 202 passes through the apparatus for recoveringhose, the operator will apply manual downward pressure to the liftinghandle 22 as to allow the lifting arm 16 to descend back into the firstposition as shown in FIG. 4.

At any time during the hose recovery operation, the operator may releasethe electric switch 24 to terminate the power supply to the motor 40.Said release deactivates the drive system to the apparatus forrecovering hose and will terminate the hose recovery operation.

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the system of the presentinvention. A first device 605 and a second device 606 are utilized torecover a larger diameter hose 600 having couplings (e.g. twelve (12)inch diameter). The devices 605, 606 are mounted on top of the bed of atruck. The preferred embodiments of the devices 605, 606 are shown infurther detail in FIG. 8.

The devices 605, 606 are lined up in series and spaced a few feet apart(with both devices situated in the same direction). This arrangementpermits at least one of the devices to be closed at all times andincreases the pulling power to handle heavier hoses and couplings. Thedevices can be mounted to a tractor, trailer, truck or other similarequipment. A cage 602 surrounds the devices 605, 606 on top of the truckto provide protection from debris or other projectiles that may bestrewn about during the hose recovery process. A passageway between twowalls 601 on top of the vehicle leading to the first device 605 isutilized in the recovery effort to help guide the hose 600 into thefirst device 605 to prevent bending and tangling of the hose 600. Avariety of metal bars 603 are utilized to provide support for mountingthe walls 601, cage 602 and devices 605, 606. Because the preferredembodiment of the system utilizes a hydraulic lifting system to open andclose the devices 605, 606, a variety of hydraulic equipment andcontrols 604 are located beneath and operatively attached to the devices605,606.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system of thepresent invention. The first device 605 and the second device 606 areutilized to recover a larger diameter hose 600 and couplings (e.g.twelve (12) inch diameter) and are mounted on top of the bed of a truck.The first device 605 is in the open position that is appropriate forpermitting a hose coupling to pass through the device while the seconddevice 606 is in a closed position to continue pulling the hose 600through both devices 605, 606. The cage 602 surrounds the devices 605,606 on top of the truck to provide some protection from debris or otherprojectiles that may be strewn about during the hose recovery process.The passageway between two walls 601on top of the vehicle leading to thefirst device 605 is shown in better detail with the hose 600 disposedbetween the two walls 601 being pulled along the bottom of thepassageway connecting the walls 601. A variety of metal bars 603 areutilized to provide support for mounting the walls 601, cage 602 anddevices 605, 606. As previously mentioned, because the preferredembodiment of the system utilizes a hydraulic lifting system to open andclose the devices 605, 606, a variety of hydraulic equipment andcontrols 604 are located beneath and attached to the devices 605, 606.

As one skilled in the art would recognize, a single device could also bemounted to a vehicle in a similar manner as described herein or,alternatively, more than two devices could be mounted to a vehicle in asimilar manner as described herein.

FIG. 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the apparatus ofthe present invention. The apparatus/devices shown in FIGS. 1-2 andFIGS. 4-5 could obviously be opened and closed through the use of ahydraulic lifting system. In such an arrangement, the lifting armobviously would not be a necessary component of the device.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the device has aplurality of lifting frame arms 804 having a motor disposed between thelifting frame arms 804 located beneath a cover 803. The motor isoperatively connected to the rotational drive roller 805 also connectedbetween the lifting frame arms 804. A biasing means such as a hingeconnected to a pair of mounts 811 or other attaching arrangement similarto a hinge allows for lowering the lifting frame arms 804 into a firstposition and lifting the lifting frame arms 804 into a second position.A hydraulic lift cylinder 806 is utilized to raise and lower the liftingframe arms 804 when a hose coupling 800 on the hose 801 is encounteredduring the hose recovery process. The lower rollers 809 are stationaryin this preferred embodiment (meaning they are not moved up and downfrom their position) and are shown with the coupling 800 resting on andbetween them. A platform 807 allows the coupling 800 to slide down itfor easier storage after it passes the lower rollers 809. Framing 808 onthe bottom of the device allows the device to be mounted to a truck orother vehicle. The lower rollers 809 are attached to the framing 808connected to the pair of mounts 811and the lower rollers 809 are locatedbeneath the rotational drive roller 805 when the rotational drive roller805 is in the first position. The hoses 802 permit oil or other fluid totravel through the system and activate the hydraulic lift cylinder 806.

Two of these devices can be installed in series as shown in FIGS. 6-7.As a result of this arrangement, a single operator can control the motoron the devices by depressing and releasing an electric switch locatedeither directly on the devices or through a remote arrangement to causethe rotational drive roller on each device to begin collecting hose. Thehydraulic lift system can be employed to allow, in a first position, thehose to be disposed between the rotational drive roller and the lowerrollers. When a coupling is encountered, the operator can utilize thehydraulic lift system to raise the lifting frame arms into a secondposition to permit the coupling to pass. Obviously, the operator canperform the same operation when the coupling arrives at either device topermit the coupling to safely pass through both devices.

During the hose recovery operation, the rotational drive roller and thelower rollers of each device ideally remain in contact with the hoseand/or the hose coupling, depending on which is passing through thedevice at a particular point in time.

FIG. 9 depicts an upper-angled view of a system 900 for altering theposition of hose deposit during recovery, according to one or moreembodiments. FIG. 9 depicts a hose receptacle 902 having an open topportion 904 for receiving a hose 801 and attached hose coupling (e.g.,hose coupling 800 of FIG. 8). In some embodiments, and as depicted, thehose receptacle 902 includes a base 903 and walls 905. The walls 905 maybe comprised, for example and without limitation, of mesh, plastic,metal, or any other material that may help contain the retrieved hose801 within the hose receptacle 902.

A first device 906 is arranged on a platform 908 which may be moved by aplatform moving means along dimensions substantially coextensive withthose of the open top portion 904 of the hose receptacle 902. In someembodiments, such as described in FIGS. 1-5 and depicted in FIG. 9, thehose recovery means may include an upper roller 910 (similar to thepreviously discussed rotational drive motor 42) and a lower roller 912(similar to the previously discussed lower roller 72). In order toretrieve the hose 801, at least one of the upper roller 910 or the lowerroller 912 is powered, for example by a motor (e.g., motor 40 of FIG. 4)operatively coupled thereto. In other embodiments, the first device 906may further include a second lower roller 913, wherein the second lowerroller 913 is arranged to receive the hose after the first lower roller912, thereby assisting transition of the hose through the first device906 and into the hose receptacle 902.

The system 900 further includes a lifting arm 914 operably coupled tothe upper roller 910 for moving the upper roller 910 between a firstposition and a second position, the upper roller 910 being closer to thelower roller 912 when in the first position than when in the secondposition. In some embodiments, the lifting arm 914 may be manuallyoperated, similar to operation as described in FIGS. 1-5. In otherembodiments, the lifting arm may be hydraulically operated, such asdescribed in FIG. 8. In further embodiments, the system 900 may includea second lifting arm (not shown) coupled to the opposite side of theupper roller 910 than the lifting arm 914, and acting substantiallysimultaneously to the lifting arm 914 for moving the upper roller 910between the first and second positions.

The platform moving means is capable of moving the platform 908, andthus the first device 906 and the deposit position of the hose, along afirst axis 916 and a second axis 918. For example purposes only, asdepicted in FIG. 9, the first axis 916 represents movement along thelength of the hose receptacle 902, wherein direction A represents movingthe platform 908 in a direction towards the front of the hose receptacle902 (towards the vehicle), and direction B represents movement in adirection opposite of direction A. For further example purposes, thesecond axis 918 represents movement along the width of the hosereceptacle 902, wherein direction C represents movement towards a firstside of the hose receptacle 902 and direction D represents movement inthe opposite direction. In some embodiments, the first axis has firstaxis limits, and the second axis has second axis limits, the first axislimits and second axis limits being substantially coextensive withdimensions of the open top portion 904 of the hose receptacle 902.

In some embodiments, the system 900 may further include a controllermeans 920 for selectively controlling movement of the platform 908. Forexample, in one embodiment, the controller means may be the controls 604(FIG. 6) coupled to a hydraulic or pneumatic pump 926 which is coupledto hydraulic or pneumatic actuators (not shown) between the platform 908and the frame of the hose receptacle 902. In other embodiments,mechanical means may be utilized, such as teeth and gears as discussedin more detail below, and/or an electrical means of a first and secondmotor (not shown) coupled thereto for moving the platform 908 along thefirst axis 916 and the second axis 918. In some embodiments, thecontroller means 920 may include selectively controlling movement of theplatform 908 along the first axis 916 between the first axis limits.

In some embodiments, the controller means 920 may further includeselectively controlling movement of the platform 908 along the secondaxis 918 between the second axis limits. In further embodiments, thecontroller means may include a processor (e.g., coupled to thecontroller means 920) capable of monitoring the location of the platform908 in relation to the first and second axis limits, and thusautomatically moving the platform 908 upon the platform 908substantially reaching a limit of either the first or second axislimits, thereby preventing damage to the first device 906 and continuingefficiency of hose placement within the hose container 902.

In some embodiments, the platform moving means may comprise teeth 922 a(or a row or track of teeth 922 a) coupled to the hose receptacle 902and corresponding gears 924 a (or wheels with teeth that may interactwith the teeth 922 a) operatively coupled to the platform 908, whereinthe teeth 922 a and gears 924 a interact to move the platform along thefirst axis 916. Example gear and teeth technologies may be cog gears andcog racks or spur gears. Such technology may also be implemented to movethe platform 908 along the second axis 918, as depicted by the teeth 922b and corresponding wheels or gears 924 b.

In some embodiments, the system 900 may further include a first motor(e.g. coupled to the gears 924 a) capable of moving the platform 908along the first axis 916, and a second motor (e.g. coupled to the gears924 b) capable of moving the platform 908 along the second axis 918.

In further embodiments, a second device (not shown) may also be arrangedon the platform 908. The second device may be substantially similar tothe first device 906, wherein the second device also has upper and lowerrollers, at least one of which being powered by a motor, and furtherincluding a corresponding lifting arm. Similar to the first device 605and device 606 of FIG. 6, the second device of FIG. 9 may be arrangedsuch that it receives the hose after the first device 906, wherein thesecond device then deposits the hose into the hose receptacle 904.

Advantageously, such a configuration enables the hose 801 to continuebeing retrieved while one of the first device 906 or second deviceoperates to enable a hose coupling to pass through. For example, thehose coupling first reaches the first device 906 which raises the upperroller 910 to the second position, thereby enabling the coupling to passtherethrough. The coupling passes through the first device via the hose801 continuing to be pulled by the second device. Once the coupling haspassed the first device, the first device may lower the upper roller 910and regain traction with the hose 801 to continue retrieving the hose801 and pushing it towards the second device. Upon the hose couplingreaching the second device, the lifting arm of the second device mayraise the upper roller of the second device, thereby allowing thecoupling to pass (e.g., be pushed by the first device 906) therethrough.Once the coupling has passed the second device, the upper roller of thesecond device may be lowered.

FIG. 10 depicts a flow diagram of a method 1000 for recovering hose. Atblock 1002, a hose having a hose coupling is positioned between an upperroller and a lower roller of a first device, wherein at least one of theupper or lower rollers is powered. In some embodiments, the upper orlower roller may be powered by a motor (e.g. an electric motor)operatively coupled thereto. For example, a motor coupled to the upperroller by a chain. Alternatively, a gear combination may be used forinteraction between the motor and upper roller. Similar examples couldbe implemented for the lower roller as well.

At block 1004, the hose is retrieved with the first device via operationof the upper and/or lower powered rollers. Upon the hose couplingreaching the first device, the position of the upper roller may bealtered from a first position to a second position with a lifting armoperably coupled to the upper roller, thereby enabling the hose couplingto pass between the upper and lower rollers, as at block 1006. At block1008, the hose is deposited into a hose receptacle from the first devicevia an open top portion of the hose receptacle, a platform having thefirst device arranged thereon. At block 1010, the platform is movedalong a first axis and a second axis with a platform moving means whiledepositing the hose into the hose receptacle. The first and second axismay have first and second axis limits, accordingly, substantiallycoextensive with the dimensions of the open top portion of the hosereceptacle.

In some embodiments, the method 1000 may further include controllingmovement of the platform along the first axis between the first axislimits with a controller means. The controller means, for example, maybe levers which control hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, or mechanicalmeans of moving the platform. For example, there may be teeth coupled tothe container and corresponding gears or wheels coupled to the platformto interact with the teeth to move the platform. Such gears or wheelsmay be driven by an electrical means, such as electrical motors. Infurther embodiments, the method may further include controlling movementof the platform along the second axis between the second axis limitswith the controller means. In other embodiments, the method mayautomatically move the platform upon the platform substantially reachinga limit of either the first axis limits or second axis limits.

In some embodiments, the platform may further include a second devicewhich is substantially similar to the first device, thus comprising asecond upper roller and a second lower roller, at least one of thesecond upper or lower rollers being powered (e.g., by a motoroperatively coupled thereto). The second upper roller is operablycoupled to a second lifting arm and arranged closer to the second lowerroller when in a first position than when in a second position.

Advantageously, the second device may work in cooperation with the firstdevice to retrieve the hose and deposit it in the hose receptacle. Inexemplary operation, at least one of the first or second devicesinitially work to retrieve the hose. Upon a hose coupling reaching thefirst device, the upper roller of the first device may be arranged intothe second position, thus allowing the coupling to pass therethrough.Retrieval of the hose and coupling may be continued by operation of thesecond device. Upon the coupling passing through the first device, theupper roller of the first device may be arranged back to the firstposition. At least one of the first and or second devices is operateduntil the coupling reaches the second device, wherein the position ofthe second upper roller of the second device is arranged in a secondposition. The coupling may pass through the second device via operationof at least the first device (e.g., pushing the hose and couplingthrough the second device). Once the coupling has passed through thesecond device, the second roller of the second device may be placed backin the first position.

A person of skill in the art would readily recognize that the order ofthe steps of the above-described method is not necessarily critical andcould be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention.Moreover, it will be recognized by those skilled in the art that changesor modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments withoutdeparting from the broad inventive concepts of the invention. It shouldtherefore be understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular embodiments described herein, but is intended to include allchanges and modifications that are within the scope and spirit of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system for recovering hose, comprising: a hosereceptacle, said hose receptacle having an open top portion forreceiving a hose and attached hose couplings; a first device having ahose recovery means comprising an upper roller and a lower roller, atleast one of said upper or lower rollers being powered; a lifting armoperably coupled to said upper roller for moving said upper rollerbetween a first position and a second position, said upper roller beingcloser to said lower roller when in said first position than when insaid second position; a platform having said first device arrangedthereon and capable of moving above said receptacle along a first axisand a second axis to deposit said hose in said receptacle; and aplatform moving means for moving said platform along said first axis andsaid second axis, wherein said first axis has first axis limits and saidsecond axis has second axis limits, said first axis limits and secondaxis limits being substantially coextensive with dimensions of said opentop portion of said hose receptacle.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinat least one of said upper or lower rollers is powered by a motoroperatively coupled thereto.
 3. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising controller means for selectively controlling movement of saidplatform along said first axis between said first axis limits.
 4. Thesystem of claim 3, wherein said controller means further compriseselectively controlling movement of said platform along said second axisbetween said second axis limits.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein saidcontroller means automatically moves said platform upon said platformsubstantially reaching a limit of either of said first axis limits orsaid second axis limits.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein said platformmoving means further comprises teeth coupled to said hose receptacle andcorresponding gears coupled to said platform, and wherein said teeth andgears interact to move said platform moves along said first axis.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said platform moving means further comprisesat least one of hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically movingsaid platform along at least one of said first or second axis.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said platform moving means further comprisesmechanically moving said platform along at least one of said first orsecond axis.
 9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a secondlifting arm coupled to said upper roller and acting substantiallysimultaneously to said first lifting arm for moving said upper rollerbetween said first and second positions.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein said first device further comprises a second lower roller, saidsecond lower roller arranged to receive said hose after said first lowerroller.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein said means for moving saidplatform includes a first motor for moving said platform along saidfirst axis and a second motor for moving said platform along said secondaxis.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second devicehaving a second upper and second lower roller, at least one of saidsecond upper and lower rollers being powered by a second motor coupledthereto, said second upper roller being coupled to a correspondingsecond lifting arm, wherein said second device is also arranged on saidplatform and receives said hose after said first device.
 13. A methodfor recovering hose, comprising: positioning a hose having a hosecoupling between an upper roller and a lower roller of a first device,at least one of said upper or lower rollers being powered; retrievingsaid hose with said first device; altering the position of said upperroller from a first position to a second position with a lifting armoperably coupled to said upper roller, said upper roller being closer tosaid lower roller when in said first position than when in said secondposition, thereby enabling said hose coupling to pass between said upperand lower rollers; depositing said hose in a hose receptacle via an opentop portion of said hose receptacle from a platform having said firstdevice arranged thereon; moving said platform along a first axis and asecond axis with a platform moving means while depositing said hose insaid hose receptacle, wherein said first axis has first axis limits andsaid second axis has second axis limits, said first axis limits andsecond axis limits being substantially coextensive with dimensions ofsaid open top portion of said hose receptacle.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein powering said at least one of said upper or lower rollers isperformed via a motor operatively coupled thereto.
 15. The method ofclaim 13, further comprising controlling movement of said platform alongsaid first axis between said first axis limits with a controller means.16. The method of claim 15, further comprising controlling movement ofsaid platform along said second axis between said second axis limitswith said controller means.
 17. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising automatically moving said platform upon said platformsubstantially reaching a limit of either of said first axis limits orsaid second axis limits.
 18. The method of claim 13, further comprisingat least one of hydraulically, pneumatically, or electrically movingsaid platform along at least one of said first or second axis with saidplatform moving means.
 19. The method of claim 13, further comprisingmechanically moving said platform along at least one of said first orsecond axis with said platform moving means.
 20. The method of claim 13,wherein said platform further includes a second device comprising asecond upper roller and a second lower roller, at least one of saidsecond upper or lower rollers being powered, said second upper rollerbeing operably coupled to a second lifting arm and closer to said secondlower roller when in a first position than when in a second position,said method further comprising: altering the position of said upperroller of said first device back to said first position; moving saidhose coupling from said first device towards said second device;altering the position of said second upper roller of said second deviceto said second position; moving said hose coupling through the seconddevice via operation of at least said first device.